A chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Aisha, has publicly criticised the party’s national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, over comments she described as divisive and counterproductive to the party’s goal of winning the 2027 general elections.
In a statement addressed to Dickson, Aisha rejected suggestions that she had failed to follow party rules during the party’s primary process, insisting that she adhered to laid-down procedures despite concerns surrounding the conduct of the senatorial primaries.
According to her, although Dickson had reportedly maintained that there would be no senatorial primaries, she chose to accept the situation and encouraged her supporters to focus on the party’s broader objectives.
She stated that she toured the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pacify supporters and party members who felt disrespected after waiting at various party headquarters for primaries that ultimately did not take place.
“I played field politics; I never waited for anyone to hand me a ticket,” she said, while urging the NDC leader to revisit a video interview that she described as disappointing.
Aisha argued that Dickson’s performance during the interview gave the impression that he was competing with the party’s presidential candidate rather than promoting the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.
She further alleged that the NDC leader appeared to view the party as a special-purpose vehicle whose mission had been accomplished merely by securing registration, rather than as a political platform focused on winning elections.
“The registration of the NDC should be a means to an end, not an end in itself,” she said.
The party chieftain maintained that Dickson’s priority during the interview should have been to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and rally supporters behind the party. Instead, she claimed, his remarks risked alienating individuals whose support would be crucial during the elections.
Aisha stressed that no one was challenging Dickson’s leadership of the party and urged him to concentrate on uniting members and providing direction.
She also criticised what she described as a tendency by the party leader to shift responsibility when internal processes are questioned, urging him to accept accountability for the party’s shortcomings.
“The party is still young and was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting those mistakes and being accountable is how the party will improve,” she stated.
Calling for greater focus on national issues, Aisha said the party’s main objective should be rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges rather than engaging in internal disputes driven by personal egos.
